5 Flooring Trends Designers Say You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2026

Like anything else in the home, flooring trends change year-to-year. Remember the shag green carpet of the 1970s? We’re relieved to say that particular trend didn’t stand the test of time—but some trends are a bit more timeless.

So, with a fresh new year just around the corner, we asked three designers which flooring trends will be big in 2026 and their answers all had one thing in common: in 2026, flooring is no longer an afterthought. Instead, it’s being treated as an intentional design moment.

Here are the top five flooring trends you’re about to see everywhere in 2026.

Herringbone 

All the designers we spoke to agreed: herringbone is about to have a major moment in 2026. Named for its resemblance to a herring fish skeleton, this flooring pattern features interlocking V-shaped planks, typically made of wood or tile. 

“Wood herringbone plank flooring brings an incredible sense of vintage European character to a home,” says Katelyn Gilmour, founder and principal designer of KBG Design.

“It says quiet luxury, but can be done so in either real wood or an LVP varietal—which makes it super durable and accessible.”

The best part about herringbone floors is that they’re not a fleeting trend. This pattern has been used for centuries in various applications, including hardwood and tile floors, backsplashes, and brick roads.

Now, it’s finding renewed popularity in modern homes alongside other traditional floor patterns like chevron and parquet.  

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Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Here’s one that may surprise you: wall-to-wall carpet is predicted to make a comeback in the New Year, says Mugdha Girish Uma, founder and principal designer of MGU-Design.

The reason is pretty much the same as it has always been: carpet helps make spaces feel warmer and cozier, two qualities that are top priorities for homeowners and designers alike. 

If your head is spinning from figurative trend whiplash, you’re not alone. However, designers agree that the 2026 version of carpet in the home will look much different from how it has in years past.

Forget shag carpets, bright whites, sterile office grays, and orange-toned browns. Carpeting will be all about blending form and function. Think low-pile, earthy tones, and rug layering to create spaces that feel warm, layered, and effortlessly inviting.

Painted Patterns

According to Virginia Toledo, founder and principal designer of Toledo Geller, painted floors with bold patterns are set to gain momentum in 2026. 

“As we collectively embrace more artisanal touches and thoughtful layering in our homes, painted floors provide an incredible opportunity to infuse personality into a space,” she says. 

Not only do painted floors offer flexibility and a chance to transform your floor into a true design statement, but they also lend well to DIY projects, which are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. 

Uma also says painted patterns will be big in 2026, but she expects to see them in smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, with hand-painted tiles.

“While hand-painted tiles are typically reserved for walls, they will be making their way to the floor in 2026. Why? They add an instant sense of organic drama to a space that makes a space feel fabulously moody and curated,” she says.

Matte Finishes 

2026 is all about blending form and function, which is why Gilmour says flooring with matte finishes will reign supreme. Whether a wood floor, vinyl plank, laminate, or tile, slick, high-gloss finishes are out in favor of more natural-looking matte and satin.

“This makes practical sense because shiny surfaces show scratches, dust, hair, dirt, [and] dents so much more than a matte or satin finish,” Gilmour says. “The shiny surfaces reflect light, which then cringe-fully reflects what you don’t want to see on your floor.”

In addition, glossy finishes are prone to being slippery, which is something most homeowners want to avoid.

Wide Plank Floors

Lastly, wide plank flooring has been popular for a couple of years now, and designers agree that it’s not set to change in 2026.

Using wide planks can make a space feel larger, more modern, and more elegant. It also helps to emphasize the wood’s natural character and reduce visual noise thanks to fewer seams in between planks. 

In general, designers and homeowners continue to favor light wood tones with natural finishes, such as white oak, according to Uma. Be sure to avoid woods with orange undertones, as they can detract from the look.